Lip-Sticking

Top 7 corporate citizens

By Amanda Ponzar @LivingUnited

Many organizations publish top 100, top 50, top 10 lists. So here are my top 7.

United Way Worldwide –- the largest privately funded nonprofit in the U.S. and the world –- just announced its highest national awards for philanthropy, volunteer engagement and community impact. Companies that are #1 when it comes to corporate citizenship. The awards process is very competitive with corporate judges and local United Ways pouring over detailed applications, reviewing financial numbers and volunteer hours, analyzing the education, income and health impact of the company's partnerships and programs, etc. so this is the real deal.  

Check out the 2013 winners -- 7 top corporate citizens:

3M (NASDAQ: MMM): 3M’s focus is encouraging innovation through STEM (science, technology, engineering, math). In 2012, 3M donated $56.6M in cash and in-kind to education, health and human services, arts and the environment. Education programs supported by 3M reach over 7.6 million young people each year; programs include science fairs and Generation Next that are closing the achievement gap of low-income and minority students. More than 1,700 3M employees volunteer to support education, including 500 employees serving as mentors in the company’s headquarters of St. Paul, increasing graduation rates in focus schools. 3M is the first company to earn an Excellence in Mentoring in America Corporate Leadership Award.

Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ: CMCSA, CMCSK) invested more than $334 million in programs and partnerships in 39 states and Washington, DC in 2012, including $9.5 million of cash and in-kind support to United Way agencies around the country, with $2.5 million in value of in-kind support
airing public service announcements. Last year, Comcast employees volunteered more than 454,000 hours, unleashing another $1.5 million in Comcast Foundation matching funds for nonprofits. One of Comcast’s signature programs is Internet Essentials, the nation’s largest and most comprehensive broadband adoption program, which provides low-cost Internet access, computers and free digital
literacy training to struggling families to help close the digital divide. More than 60 United Ways across the country support this program.

 

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) and its employees celebrated a major milestone in 2012:  $1 billion in employee giving and matching funds to more than 31,000 nonprofit organizations around the world since the employee giving program began in 1983. In 2012, Microsoft donated more than $900 million in cash and software to more than 62,000 nonprofits worldwide. Microsoft also provides a $17/hour match for employee volunteer hours –- 450,000 hours logged in 2012 -- generating more than $7.5 million in volunteer matching funds to U.S. nonprofits last year alone. Microsoft’s citizenship focus is creating opportunities for youth through innovative programs that leverage Microsoft’s software and skilled employees. Microsoft YouthSpark is a company-wide global initiative, which aims to create opportunities for 300 million youth in more than 100 countries during the next three years, and includes programs such as Technology Education and Literacy in Schools (TEALS), Partners in Learning, Imagine Cup and more.

 

Bank of America (NYSE: BAC) and its employees raised more than $30.5 million through the United Way campaign, once again as a top 10 national partner. In addition, bank employees volunteered 1.5 million hours globally, including 1,500 employees leveraging their financial expertise at volunteer
tax assistance sites. Since 2006, Bank of America has invested $8 million in Financial Stability grants with United Way, especially around free tax preparation and assistance, and was the first financial institution to nationally support this important work. In 2012, the bank donated $200 million
to nonprofit organizations serving community needs as part of its 10-year $2 billion philanthropic goal. 

 

General Motors  (NASDAQ: GM) -- The GM Foundation in December 2010 pledged $27.1 million to United Way of Southeastern Michigan to create a “Network of Excellence” within seven metro Detroit high schools and increase graduation rates from 50% to 80% over five years. Attendance rates at all seven schools improved last year -- an early indicator for improved graduation rates. Last year, GM employees contributed more than $5.8 million through the company’s United Way campaign, plus teamGM Cares Volunteers provided nearly 1,200 hours of service to the Network of Excellence schools.

 

The Mosaic Company (NYSE: MOS), its employees and The Mosaic Company Foundation contributed $25.4 million in community investments worldwide in 2012 -- including in-kind gifts totaling $3.7 million and $4 million raised through the company’s annual United Way campaign. Mosaic employees contributed expertise and volunteer time to execute campaigns across its North American operations. To achieve its mission to help the world grow the food it needs, Mosaic helps farmers worldwide produce more food through crop nutrients and science-based agronomy. Its unique The Mosaic Villages Project also helps smallholder farmers move beyond subsistence farming and improve their livelihoods through increased crop production and sustainable agricultural practices.

 

Wells Fargo (NASDAQ: WFC) is United Way’s #1 national campaign for four years in a row. Team members raised $60.7 million in 2012 — a 23% increase over 2011—resulting in over $75.3 million with the corporate gift. Wells Fargo team members volunteered 1.5 million hours in 2012, plus the company offers a unique Volunteer Leave Program; it awarded fully paid leave to more than 21 team members in 2012 to work on a significant project for up to four months. Wells Fargo also announced a new $5 million national partnership with United Way to provide financial counseling for low-moderate income households. Wells Fargo promotes significant skilled volunteering, through its free Hands on Banking® program, focused on money management. Last year, Wells Fargo invested $315.8 million in 19,500 nonprofits.

 

The Spirit of America and Summit Awards program is United Way’s highest national honor for a corporation, recognizing outstanding United Way Global Corporate Leaders. Join @UnitedWay and congratulate the winners on Twitter: @3Mgiving & @3MNews, @BofA_Community, @Comcastdreambig, @GM, @Microsoft & @msftcitizenship, @MosaicCompany and @WellsFargo.

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Mobil 1 and Walmart free oil change sweeps invites customers to sign up for mobile care care tips

By Guest Blogger, Donna DeClemente, Donna's Promo Talk

A new study by Alliance Data found that more than half (51%) of smartphone or tablet owning moms use their mobile device as part of their shopping experience either daily or weekly with more than a third (35%) using them daily, base

They surveyed women who have one to two children, and found the top reasons that most of them (56%) use mobile devices to shop is that it’s fast/easy, they have no time to go to a mall or store and they can more easily compare prices. They found that the number one way that moms incorporate their mobile device into their shopping experience is that they like to receive SMS/text messages from retailers. In fact, SMS was the only category that a majority (52%) said they used to incorporate mobile into their shopping experience.

With that information I wanted to share a new promotion that recently kicked off that I've been involved with for almost a year. We've been working with Triad Retail Media who specialize in creating and managing online media programs for some major retail e-commerce websites such as Walmart, Sam's Club, Dollar General, CVS and Toys R Us. These custom digital ad campaigns are created for a variety of national brands to help them reach their customers and engage with shoppers at the right time while they’re researching brands and making final purchase decisions.

For 40 days Mobil 1 is giving away free oil changes from a Walmart Tire Lube Express. All Walmart customers need to do is visit the Walmart.com Mobil 1 website to enter the sweepstakes and sign up to receive car care tips on their mobile device from Mobil 1.

The entry form includes a short survey to help gain additional insights into these customers such as gender, age, how often they may use a Walmart Tire Lube Express, type of oil used, age of vehicle and who is primary decision maker for auto care in the family.

Besides the entry form, banner ads are also inviting customers to enter via text message by texting Mobil1 to the shortcode 50101. Those that enter the sweepstakes by this method receive an additional text message inviting them to opt-in to receive the future car care tips.

We are again using the Signal platform to create and host our sweepstakes promotion which collects the different methods of entry, both the SMS and the web landing page, into one database. It then allows us to maintain an SMS list of all the subscribers in order to send out the car care tips to them via their mobile device.

We will be drawing 40 winners, one per day, and at the end of the promotion. All winners will receive a Walmart gift card good to cover the cost of a oil change at a Walmart Tire Lube Express along with a Mobil 1 hat.

It will be interesting to see the final stats and gain insights into female vs male participants and who they say is their primary car care decision maker in the family. In my household it's definitely my husband. However, he's not the norm. This is someone who recently rebuilt the engine of a 1985 Spitfire that he owns.

I'm the one though that does do the majority of the food and household shopping and using my iPhone and my iPad more and more these days!

Finding our strength: the more we give, the better we get

by Amanda Ponzar (@LivingUnited)

The Boston Marathon tragedy showed us once again how strong we really are, how we can pull together and encourage each other during the darkest times. It showed us that there is good in the world; something worth fighting for (see Lord of the Rings video clip). After 26 miles, Boston Marathon runners kept running to donate blood. Medical professionals, fire fighters, police, EMTs and more came to the rescue. People tore off their own clothes for tourniquets. This is the kind of country I'm proud to live in. We may not agree on every political issue, but we are united when it comes to helping others.

Although it's often buried and barely covered, there's more good news and good people who deserve recognition for helping others:

1.) This week, United Ways  from around the world are meeting to get energized, work better together for collective impact and scale change. Plus, United Way will be awarding our highest honors -- Spirit of America awards -- to seven incredible companies tomorrow. Check it out.

2.) Peter Dudley (@dudleyPJ), young adult fiction author and CSR leader at Wells Fargo, writes some great posts on employee volunteer programs and workplace campaigns for Charities at Work. One of his recent posts discussed how to get company managers on board with volunteering.

4 Ways to Stay On Budget This Year

by Yvonne DiVita

Is there a budget in your future? In your past? Are you on budget right now?

If you're a small business, you had better be on budget! While that doesn't mean living a life of pure austerity - it does mean paying attention to your spending. 

Austerity, according to the dictionary, refers to "markedly simple or unadorned." Many of us start out with austerity budgets - with second, or third, hand furniture, set up in our basement or dining room. Our budgets are beyond austere - they're non-existent. I talked to a young man just this week who said he and his wife put all their monies into his new business and were living off credit cards now. His budget has gone beyond austere and into... desperation!

PMA's Annual Marketing Conference kicks off today in Chicago

By Guest Blogger, Donna DeClemente, Donna's Promo Talk

Normally I would be in Chicago today attending the PMA/BAA Annual Marketing Conference that got underway yesterday afternoon. I've attended this conference almost every year since I started blogging back in 2007 and sorry to be missing it this year. My schedule just doesn't allow me to be out of the office this week. So I guess I'll just have to follow along with the tweets (#annualMTG13)and updates on the PMA Facebook page instead.

This year the conference theme is titled "The Art and Science of Brand Activation". The association announced last year at it's Annual Marketing Law Conference that after over 100 years in existence, it was changing its name from PMA, Promotional Marketing Association, to BAA, Brand Activation Association. Bonnie Carlson, the association's president, made the announcement at that event and said the name change would become official at this conference taking place now. Bonnie stated that the new BAA will have a broader focus on translating marketing strategy into best brand activation strategies. They will strive to help members solve problems, rather than just dwell on specific tactics. I'm curious to hear want new developments and resources they have put in place to achieve this.

Walmart kicked off the conference yesterday afternoon with a special session for brand marketers only from Clint McClain, Senior Director, Marketing. Clint was to speak about Brand Activation strategies that utilize Walmart’s proprietary "Brand Growth Platform” and demonstrate how Walmart provides the tools marketers need for success. In a session today Clint will share some interesting insights from a case study on Walmart's local marketing efforts.

Today the morning is getting off to an opening keynote speech titled a "View of the Retail Landscape" by author, and marketing consultant, Paco Underhill. Paco will share his insights about what motivates shopper behavior today and what changes to expect over the next five years. There will be sessions from brands such as Godiva Chocolatier (@godivachoc), Kimberly Clark(@KCCorp), Hasbro (@vlee) and more @thePMA . Plus they will end the conference tomorrow night with a gala dinner to celebrate this year's Reggie Awards Finalists.

Promotional Marketing is a key ingredient in today's marketing mix. Check out this recent article from MediaPost that is great news for any of us in the business. According to Borrell Associates, spending on digital promotions will hit $36.1B this year. Online sweepstakes and contests, which is my area of expertise, is part of that and is headed in a totally mobile direction. So it's a good time to pitch for new business that involves social and mobile promotions.

I'll be missing the networking opportunities that are available when you attend these types of conferences. Still today there is nothing that can compare with a face-to-face meeting, especially over a cocktail! To all my friends at PMA (BAA), I wish you a great and successful conference ! I hope to see you at the Annual Marketing Law Conference in November!

Resume Not Required

Guest post by Hannah Morgan, the Career Sherpa

If you had a job and wanted to meet with someone, would they ask for your resume? Probably not. So why are people asking you for your resume? Is it because you confessed in your request for a meeting that you were job hunting? Is that really necessary? Really? If you are networking and people are asking you for your resume, let me suggest you are doing it all wrong!

Why Networking With a Resume A Bad Idea?

Any time you present your resume to someone, it sends the message “Hire Me! I am looking for a job.” Your state of employment (or unemployment) is a distraction from the main purpose of the meeting. You want the conversation to center around gaining information and idea-sharing. When you introduce the fact that you are job searching, the conversation often switches to pity, resume critique, or worse, they feel like they can’t help you because their company isn’t hiring, thereby cutting he conversation short. What you really want from them is information. You want the people you meet with to trust you and like you, and ultimately, refer you to new contacts to gain more insight. This is the true purpose for networking.

Paas Easter Eggs celebrates with a Pinterest Contest and Facebook promos

By Guest Blogger, Donna DeClemente, Donna's Promo Talk

With all the cold weather we've been experiencing, along with the freak snow storms, it's hard to believe that this weekend is Easter Sunday. Easter does occasionally happen in March and this year the holiday hits on the very last day of the month.

I went looking for some Easter promotions to help get me in the Spring mood and landed on the Paas Facebook page. This immediately got me feeling much more like Spring. Even though Easter is a highly religious christian holiday, I would still guess that the vast majority of us have used the Paas egg decorating kits many times in our lives. In fact Paas says that 88% of adults carry on the Easter tradition of creating Easter baskets for their kids and 90% of us hope for own treat from the Easter Bunny. Yes, I already got my pastel-colored peanut M&M's!

Paas has joined the Pinterest bandwagon this year with their "Egg-Ceptional Eggs" Pinterest Contest which they have been promoting on their Facebook page. First, participants needed to follow PAAS on Pinterest, create a board and name it “PAAS Egg-ceptional Eggs”. Then they had to add at least 15 pins from either the Paas website or Pinterest page along with any other Easter egg Pins they wish. The #easter and #paas hashtags had to be included on all Pins and then they submitted the URL address of their Pin Board on this entry form. 

A panel of judges has already chosen a winner based on the following criteria: originality, theme, and creativity. And the winner is Karla Cyr! You can check out her winning Pin Board here: http://pinterest.com/karlacyr/paas-egg-ceptional-eggs/.

Karla's board contains some beautiful decorating ideas. Paas is still offering fans of their Facebook page some coupons for $1.00 and $1.50 off their decorating kits.

So enjoy and have a Happy Easter. Hey, they say it may even get close to 50 degrees here on Sunday! Now that's something to celebrate!

Girlfriend, file your taxes free.

By Amanda Ponzar (@LivingUnited)

We all know women possess the power of the purse, commanding consumer spending decisions (85% of purchases). But what about when it comes to taxes? Are women empowered? Are you? (Check out interesting tables on gender and tax return data from the IRS.) 

One way you can take charge of your financial future is through your taxes –- making sure you don’t pay too much (or anything) to prepare and file, plus getting the full refund you deserve. 

One of the most rewarding projects I’ve worked on for the past few years is MyFreeTaxes.com –- this nonprofit partnership provides free federal and state tax preparation and filing services for individuals and families who earned $57,000 or less in 2012. MyFreeTaxes offers a toll-free phone line or chat pod so you can get help to file online, or you can get help in-person at a community-based tax site -– still free. 

Why does this matter for women? Because truly free tax preparation and filing (some providers offer a free federal return but make you pay for state) means you don’t have to use a paid tax preparer (saves you about $200), plus ensures you receive the maximum refund, including all the credits you qualify for –- earned income tax credit (EITC), child tax credit and more. Plus, ensures you're getting good advice from trusted nonprofit partners who can help you find other programs and services too.  

It doesn’t matter if you’re single or married, head of household or not, a grandmother or a college
student. If you made less than $57,000 and haven’t filed your taxes, you probably qualify. Last year, more than 1.4 million taxpayers used MyFreeTaxes either online or in person to file their taxes free
and got back an average of nearly $1,300 each. With the $200 saved on tax prep costs, that could be $1,500 more in your pocket -- or your friend’s -- so spread the word. When women have more money, they pay bills, take care of basic needs, help their families and make the world a better place.

MyFreeTaxes.com is powered by the Walmart Foundation, in cooperation with Goodwill Industries International, National Disability Institute and United Way Worldwide. 

Check out videos.

Check out media coverage in Forbes, Fox Business, MSN Money and more.

Do yourself a favor and check out www.MyFreeTaxes.com or @MyFreeTaxes on Twitter.

 

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Friday Musings - What is wrong with people?

by Yvonne DiVita

I'm surrounded by caring people who go that extra mile, each and every day, so when confronted with the gross negligence and ignorance of 'other' people... I find myself wondering, "What is wrong with people?" 

I'm serious. How can anyone...any sentient being...cause so much pain and suffering - so much abuse and terror? I guess some of these people are just plain mean. Or they have no souls. I guess some of them start out meaning well and fall into...tough times, without knowing what to do or who to turn to. I guess some are just stupid. No, not stupid, uneducated. It's not the same thing.

I'm talking about people who perpetuate cruelty and anger on animals. On innocent beings that exist for no other purpose than to love you. Innocent beings that have no voice but live, breathe and FEEL, just as warmly, deeply and purposefully as you and I. It will baffle me now and forever to know this cruelty exists.

Business or Pleasure: When Social Media Personas Collide

by guest blogger, Megan Totka

Small business owners know the importance of utilizing social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and even Pinterest. The relatively small investment of time and money can really pay off. Crowdspring reports that 50 percent of small business owners say they have gained new customers through social media, with LinkedIn and Facebook leading the way. That’s a statistic worth pursuing.

The great thing about social media is the interactive, personal atmosphere it fosters between businesses and consumers. This can be a challenging characteristic for small business owners that are unsure how much personal information really should be part of their professional identity and don’t want to commit one of the 7 deadly online sins. Every industry and business differs, but here are a few ground rules when striking a balance between a business and personal social media presence: